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Car turns over for a while before starting

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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 10:14 PM
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Default Car turns over for a while before starting

Lately, my car has been not wanting to start up. Sometimes, it starts up just fine, no problems. But about half the time I try and start it (I don't notice any pattern) it'll just turn over for anywhere from 2-4 seconds, then start. Although rare, sometimes it won't start at all, I have to stop turning the key, then try again and it'll start up. Also, sometimes after start up the car will vibrate with a weird idle for about 10 seconds, then it goes to normal idle.

I can give some more details, or I can try and get a video if that will help. Any ideas of possible problems?
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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 10:21 PM
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Not getting enough fuel? Or spark?
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Old Jan 14, 2009 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Z1000
Lately, my car has been not wanting to start up. Sometimes, it starts up just fine, no problems. But about half the time I try and start it (I don't notice any pattern) it'll just turn over for anywhere from 2-4 seconds, then start. Although rare, sometimes it won't start at all, I have to stop turning the key, then try again and it'll start up. Also, sometimes after start up the car will vibrate with a weird idle for about 10 seconds, then it goes to normal idle.

I can give some more details, or I can try and get a video if that will help. Any ideas of possible problems?
Sounds like a dirty fuel filter or fuel injectors.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 07:05 AM
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If it changes with temperature, your battery could be going out.
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 10:57 AM
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Check the spark plugs, trust me, I know ... Then check the wires.

If not them then change the fuel filter and if the problem persists run some fuel injector cleaner. Are you using High Octane gas?
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 11:25 AM
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I'd check the Fuel Filter..
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Old Jan 15, 2009 | 11:50 AM
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Mine did that. Did it for a year and I couldn't figure it out. Finally found my fuel pressure regulator was shot. It was leaking some fuel into the vacuum lines which would cause it to run funny for the first few seconds as it gagged on fuel where it wasn't supposed to be.
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